Georgia Raises Real Estate Investment Threshold for Residence Permits

Georgia is set to raise the minimum real estate investment threshold for temporary residency permits to USD 150,000, effective March 1, 2026. This decision follows amendments passed in June 2025 and marks the third increase in the program’s history. The move is part of a broader effort to align residency permits with economic contributions and to regulate the labor market more effectively.

Since 2019, Georgia has offered foreign nationals a pathway to temporary residency by purchasing non-agricultural property worth at least USD 100,000, as verified by an accredited appraiser. The permit is renewable annually and covers spouses and children under the same investment. With the new threshold, all new applicants must meet the USD 150,000 requirement starting from March 1, 2026. However, buyers under the current USD 100,000 level must complete their purchases before the deadline to qualify under the existing rules.

The increase in the investment threshold is part of a series of broader immigration reforms. These reforms include mandatory work permits for foreign employees and stricter controls on visa compliance. The Georgian Parliament has cited the need to align residence permits with economic contribution levels, regulate the labor market, and enhance security screening. Existing permit holders can continue to renew their permits at the old threshold as long as they maintain ownership of their property.

Georgia’s move reflects a shift from a relatively open residency access policy to a more regulated system that emphasizes financial contribution, compliance, and selective immigration. This change aims to ensure that the country attracts investors who can make significant economic contributions and support the local economy.

The reforms are expected to have a positive impact on the real estate market by attracting higher-value investments and promoting sustainable economic growth. The Georgian government is committed to creating a balanced and fair immigration system that benefits both the country and its residents.

For those interested in obtaining a residency permit through real estate investment, it is crucial to act quickly if they wish to qualify under the current USD 100,000 threshold. Property investments in Georgia have been increasingly popular due to the country's stable political environment, favorable tax policies, and high quality of life. The new threshold is likely to attract more serious investors who are committed to contributing to the Georgian economy.